From the Headmaster’s Desk

The success of the school term may be determined by the quality of the start.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

A warm welcome to all as we begin the third term.

“And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.” – Hebrews 12: 1-2

Not unlike a running race, the success of the school term may be determined by the quality of the start. The Preparatory School has enjoyed an excellent start filled with all the business that is to be expected from a school of this high calibre.

The first week was punctuated by a day of competition at the Inter-House Athletics day. Congratulations to Bishops for winning the day in such a convincing manner. Thanks to all involved on the day; from the staff for their organisation, the children for their enthusiasm and to the parents for their support.

Congratulations are in order to Ms Nomfundo Brukwe on being awarded her Masters Degree from the University of Pretoria. Mrs Peta-Anne Patel also gave birth to her son last week, we congratulate her and her husband.

Reflecting on my first days at the Preparatory School I have been impressed by the level of professionalism, organisation and care displayed by the teachers and staff. The dress and general manners of the learners has also been a pleasant surprise.

At a recent assembly the topic of discussion was how best to run the race of life for this term and into the future in a way which is pleasing to God? Three ways in which we can do this are to stick to our values – honesty, loyalty and kindness; work on reactions by being mindful of how we respond to challenges, disappointments and fair criticism, ensuring we don’t lash out unnecessarily; and finally, setting clear goals to work towards, and map out, the necessary steps needed to achieve these goals successfully.

Having left the starting blocks for this term well, let us run the race ahead with endurance. I am looking forward with great anticipation to the term ahead; the various events, cultural and sporting, the end of year awards and St Dunstan’s traditions which we will be blessed to share.

I leave you with a prayer shared with the Preparatory School in the first week;

Dear Lord
Today, this week, this month, this year, we have a race ahead of us.
Help us to run the race of our lives with honesty, trustworthiness and courage.
Help us to be mindful about our own race, and to pay attention to what helps us run the race of our life well.
Help us to say no to the things that hinder us or take us away from our calling and direction in life.
Help us to draw on resources we have around us, and within us, when the race of life feels tough.
We trust that you will be there with us as we run the race of this year.

Please help us to support those around us as they also move in their own race of life.
Amen.

Mr Matthew Moolman